Major General                      Keith Matila Mokoape

July  1st, 1947 January  16th, 2025
Centurion, South Africa
Major General                      Keith Matila Mokoape

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.

Bereavement

It is with deep sadness that the Mokoape family announces the passing of Major General Keith Matila Mokoape, a respected leader and South African National Defence Force major general, and veteran of South Africa's liberation struggle, and former Chief of Military Intelligence of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the African National Congress (ANC) military wing. He passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, 16 January 2025, at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital in Midrand.

Born in Wallmansthal, Pretoria, in 1947, Major General Mokoape was a lifelong activist committed to the fight for South Africa's freedom. He was one of the founders of the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) and a key figure in the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM). In the liberation struggle, he played a pivotal role in the ANC and MK, serving in various capacities. His service extended beyond the liberation struggle, contributing significantly to the development of South Africa’s governance and business sectors, reflecting his dedication to South Africa’s growth and transformation.

Major General Mokoape was honored with the Order of Luthuli in Silver by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2018 for his outstanding contribution to the liberation movement.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Magirly, and their two children Otsile and Baanetse.

Please find details of the memorial and funeral services below. 

Announcements

2025
January 23rd
Thursday 23 January 2025
The Funeral Service will take place on Friday 24 January 2025 at 8:00 am, at Thaba Tshwane, Centurion, 0187.

We will then proceed to Waterfall Cemetery after the service. 
Thaba Tshwane City Hall, Centurion, 0187

Gallery


Messages

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


January 25, 2025
My heartfelt ♥️ condolences to the Mokoape and Sexwale family for the loss of Bra Keith Mokoape. My beloved brother, coach, mentor inspirational & development leader,of note. Just to let you know that Bra Keith strongly believed in my capacity and capabilities to strategise, implement and manage societal development processes and programmes of the Independent Development and Mvula Trusts. Though we haven't been talking regularly, it was always blessed catch-ups when we spoke. He had a beautiful and compassionate heart for people. O death where is your sting? O death where is your victory? Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated!! May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace and rise in glory at the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!! Robala ka khutso Mokgatla!
Baby Mogane-Ramahotswa
January 24, 2025
Sincere condolences on the passing of cde Keith. A real giant of the South African liberation struggle + post apartheid rebuilding.
We'll forever cherish your leadership & contribution.
Tapsy Jacob Diseko
January 24, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest well Uncle Keith. May you continue to protect your family from up high.
Eddie & Ella Dzova
January 24, 2025
May Uncle Kieth rest peacefully, his memories are a blessing. There are no goodbyes, wherever he is, he will always be in our hearts.
Patricia Rakhudu
January 23, 2025
Dear Mokoape and Sexwale family,

We are deeply heartbroken to hear about the passing of the General. Although we only recently had the privilege of meeting him during last year’s lobola negotiations, it was evident that he was a man of great strength, wisdom, and deep love for his family. His warmth and genuine presence left a lasting impression on us.

Please know that we are keeping you in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. May the memories of his love and guidance bring you comfort, and may his legacy continue to shine through your family.

With our heartfelt condolences,
Matshoba and Mayalo family
Matshoba and Mayalo Family
January 23, 2025
Kgabo ga e robale ka Kagiso. Bo-Rra Mokoape le Bo-Rra Sexwale, Losika lotlhe re lla le lona.

Ditsala tsotlhe tsa Matila ba a kopaneng le bona ko Alan Taylor Residence ba nkopile go fetisa matshediso.

Kgabo di robale ka ntho lemororo Matila a dumedise kwa gae - Nat Khaole le Bana.
Nat Khaole
January 23, 2025
Condolence Message from Kilimo Co-operative.
As a man of all seasons, General Keith Mokoape also participated, fully in the affairs of an emerging black farmers' body - Kilimo Co-operative. (Kilimo is a Swahili word for farming). It is thus with a heavy heart that we join many South Africans in mourning this gentle giant who was underutilized by our country and whose full immense contribution to South Africa is yet to be told. General Mokoape was the first to arrive at meetings where he gave important futuristic, inventive and trailblazing inputs. He also took particular interests in the affairs of individual members, always helping how together black farmers can and should break the racial ceiling around land economy. General Mokoape was also interested in the specific issues affecting members, whether from Kwa-Zulu Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, North-West and the rest of the country. After formal meetings he was at his element when talking about his life story - whether his exploits as a youth while attending primary school in Walmanthal and later high school in Atteridgeville.; as well as when he was a member of the South African Students Organisation (SASO). in particular a meeting in Hammanskraal in 1972, where he proposed the issue of armed struggle, something that led to a long discussion that night with Steve Biko. Kiliomo Co-operative, like the rest of the country has lost a consummate intellectual, a committed patriot whose only desire was the transformation and development of the country. It will be difficult to replace such a great gentle giant.
Go well General.
Titus Mafolo
January 23, 2025
I salute you, Sir! Thank you for your guidance and inspiration.
Bannister Erasmus
January 23, 2025
It was always a privilege to work with Major-General Mokoape, a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
Sincerely,
Verdell Myburgh
Executive Assistant
Verdell Myburgh
January 22, 2025
My deepest and sincere condolences to the Mokoape family for your sudden loss, May the Almighty grant you strength during this trying time, Our Prayers are with you. Polite
Polite Nkomo
January 22, 2025
Rest in peace my friend. I will miss you. You have been a wonderful sounding board and partner. I will miss our far ranging discussions and your extensive knowledge of many things.
Luke Bailes
January 22, 2025
Gallant Fighter!
Real Leader!
Relevant Teacher!
True & deep Patriot! How you so loved your country & its people...You loved people & you loved life & so it was you quickly got over an angry moment
Intelligent, knowledgeable, but not arrogant; even your advice was always direct yet kind & on point
wide smile & twinkling eyes whenever you talked about the history of the struggle or army or any topic of your interest... and what a vast pool! No wonder you evoked jealousy in some quarters!
Kindness & friendliness: couldn't have wished for a better big brother in Maputo & later in my life
A doting husband & father: many man need to learn from you! The pride in your eyes when you introduced a family member or spoke of one...second to none.
Rest in peace Mr Humble, Mr Walking Google, Mr Energetic (& so we nicknamed you "Sharp -Sharp") our tried & trusted, principled ANC cadre. You sauntered through the eye of the needle!
Robala ka kagiso Cde Keith! Mokgatla!
You shall be sorely missed!
Thembi Cele
January 22, 2025
God is there for you.
 . . . to bind up your broken heart
. . . to comfort all who mourn
. . . and provide for those who grieve
. . . to place a crown of beauty on you instead of ashes
. . . the oil of gladness instead of mourning
. . . and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:1-2)
Dear Darling Daughter of the most High and family!
Please don’t be afraid to reach out to God every single time you need Him because He loves you! He wants to be there for you.❤️
Mrs Linda Dabula and Family
January 21, 2025
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of General Keith Mokoape. His empathy, humanity, honour, and compassion were rare and precious gifts that he shared with so many of us at Singita. I had the pleasure of working closely with the General over the last 23 years and his involvement enriched our business in countless ways, and we already feel the void left by his loss.
We will always remember the happiness, positivity, and strength he radiated as he walked among us, and we will continue to honour the paths he taught us to follow—paths that uphold the dignity of our people and our country. His broad smile and infectious laughter will remain etched in our hearts, and his memory will guide us forward.
Our thoughts are with Magirly, Otsile, Baanetse and the family during this incredibly difficult time. Keith was not only an outstanding leader but also a devoted husband and father, and his legacy of love and integrity will live on through you all.
With heartfelt sympathy from all at Singita.
Geoff Johnstone
January 21, 2025
Our Condolences to the Mokoape family on the loss of such a gallant son of the soil, a pioneering spirit and humble leader with foresight, integrity and a pervasive humanity that has become so scarce in the post apartheid era. General Mokoape , you have fought the good fight and we wish you a peaceful rest. We shall miss you.
Siyabonga Gama
January 21, 2025
May your beautiful Soul Rest in Peace. I am going to.miss our jokes, laughter,sharing books eish! We going to miss your smile and warmth. May God be with you in heaven, Sis Margirly God will guide Sesi.
Maggie Dlulane
January 21, 2025
Please accept the condolences from the Lukes family
The general will always be an inspiration to me a man of character in a true gentleman he will surely be missed and I am confident that on his next journey he will be happy with open arms by the lights
Sincerely yours
Angus Likes
January 19, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Retired Major General Keith Mokoape, a true revolutionary leader and dedicated commissar. His unwavering commitment to the liberation struggle and the betterment of our nation will forever inspire generations. May his courageous spirit rest in eternal peace, and may his loved ones find comfort in his remarkable legacy.
Percyval Ndou
January 18, 2025
May your family find strength and comfort in the memories they shared with you, and may your legacy continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, General.
Kutlwano Hlongwane
January 17, 2025
It’s really hard to believe that General Rt. Keith Mokoape is no-more. A man full of passion for justice, innovation and people empowerment. Bright and Sharp minded with an attitude of ‘no problem too big to solve ‘ . We say farewell to the people’s General , a brother, a comrade and umkhaya. You’ve left an indelible mark as a gallant freedom fighter and development activist.

Condolences to the family and MHSRIP.
Dr Gwen M Ramokgopa
January 17, 2025
General, your absolute and uncompromising frankness, smile and laugh will be missed. You were firm, but kind. You challenged me to dig deeper in my reflections as a person and as a professional. Thank you for being a person of integrity and consistency. Rest in eternal peace beloved General.
- Mogau Leshilo
Mogau Leshilo
January 17, 2025
Uncle Keith our hearts are broken. May your soul rest in peace as we remember you with love and joy. You will be missed.
Dudu, Les and family
Duduzile Hlabangana-Rance
January 17, 2025
We mourn the loss of our friend and colleague Keith Matile Mokoape. His empathy, humanity, honour and compassion that he gave of so generously were rare and precious. He enriched the lives of so many and the world will feel his loss deeply.
We will remember the happiness and positivity he spread as he went and walk the paths he taught us to follow, honouring our people and our country.
Deepest condolences to Magirly and family in your loss of an outstanding husband and father.
Russell and Barbara Moore
January 17, 2025
My most sincere condolences 💐 to the Mokoane family and friends for the pass on of this gallant son of Africa . A friend to all . Always smiling .
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and had to opportunity and favour to interact with him . I am saddened and indeed shocked about his passing .
Please pass my condolences to his family and friends .
We fought together, we played together , we studied together , and we laughed together , my brother .

These memories are forever turned to treasure . Go well my brother , go well General.
MHSRIP.
Robert Munjanganja
January 17, 2025
We so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband/father ,please know that we here for you and we here to support you and ready to listen to whenever you need to talk. We sending a deepest condolences and warm hugs during this heartbreaking time, your husband/father will always be remembered as an incredible person. He was a kind man and a true gentleman, he always put others before himself. Please accept our deepest condolences from Mbhalis Auto Clinic Family.
Mbhalis Auto Clinic Family
January 17, 2025
Rest in Peace my General...you have fought a good fight. People of SA will always remember you. Always carrying that smile in your face even if it is not easy in our Organization. ANC / MKLWV has lost a soldier.."REST SOLDIER"
Thandi Mashoala
January 16, 2025
General Mokoape is one of the most remarkable individuals I have had the privilege of knowing — a towering yet humble leader whose life has profoundly influenced and transformed countless others.

I will always treasure the memories and moments we shared, the last one being our time together as we paid our respects at Dr Motsuenyane’s home last year.

Your legacy is etched deeply in my heart and in the lives of so many.

Rest in peace, Tower. Rest!. 💔🪦🕯️🕊️
Tebogo Khaas
January 16, 2025
Comrade Keith my brother is with sad heart that I had of your passing I never thought of this day that I will have to say good by to you my brother I will cherish all the good memories I have of us from Maputo to back home you were my big brother I will really miss you. It is still so difficult for me to accept that you no more today was a very difficult day. I can only say my brother you did your best for the lebaration of this country with flying closures we are proud of you. Now my brother you have joined the other gallant heros and heroines of our struggle rest in peace and you will be in my heart and mind allways
Carla Motau
January 16, 2025
The history of South Africa will not be complete without the mention of your name General.

To the family, condolences.

Farewell General and thank you.

Hamba kahle Mkhonto
Lawrence Bayana

Visit family


Funeral Service - 08:00: Friday, 24 January

Venue: Thaba Tshwane Military City Hall, Centurion

Burial place: Waterfall Cemetery, Midrand

Kindly contact Otsile Mokoape on 083 381 7334 or Khanya Matshoba
on 067 019 0900 for access to the estate and any other information.

For media enquiries please contact:
Moipone Malefane on +27 82 772 5861
Location
Thaba Tshwane City Hall, Centurion, 0187
Date/time
24 January 2025 8:00 am
Virtual event
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